More Questions and Answers

You may have a more specific question that you couldn't find the answer to in the General FAQ. We've tried to compile here a list of those questions. If you still can't find an answer, please contact us.

About the call

Is it possible to receive a copy of the reference papers?

This is not possible since ESA does not have intellectual property rights on many of these publications.

Forming Study Team

Can an University or a Research Group established and operating in a non ESA Member State submit a proposal?

Ariadna is open for ESA Member States, Cooperating States and Canada. Individuals from research institutes, industry and non-ESA Member or Cooperating States may participate in studies on a zero-cost basis. Zero-cost participation
for such participants shall be confirmed in the proposal. Similarly, proposed use of resources from research institutes, industry and non-ESA Member or Cooperating States shall be on a zero-cost basis, confirmed in the proposal.

May non-European researchers participate in the study on a 'no cost' basis?

Yes

Is it possible to submit a proposal which includes the use of facilities of a third party?

Yes, but only under the condition that the facility is included at "no cost".

Submitting a proposal

Can I submit more than one proposal?

Yes.

Can I submit a proposal for a Call for Proposal on topic not listed in the cover letter?

No, you can submit only proposals for the Call of Proposals for the listed topics in the cover letter.

What is the maximum length of the technical proposal for Ariadna?

The maximum length of the proposal should be 15 pages.

How can I give references for a junior researcher when most post-graduates don't have anything published before finishing the PhD?

The relevance of the background of all study team members will be a criterion during proposal evaluation. Any unpublished reports publicly available are acceptable.

What is the AO number. Where do I find it?

This number indicates the Announcement of Opportunity (or Call). The AO number is on the cover letter.

Do I need to register my affiliation to any ESA database in order to participate to Ariadna?

Yes registration in EMITS is required for proposal submission. The EMITS bidder code is required in the proposal document.

Does the (parallel, back-up) signed paper copy of the proposal have to reach you at the same time as the electronic version?

No, only the electronic copy need arrive by the deadline. However, the signed paper copy should arrive no more than 7 days later.

Joint proposals

Is it possible to submit a joint proposal with another university?

Yes.

How can we formally compose the working team? Do we have to have two professors, two senior researchers and two young researchers?

Proposed study teams must consist of a minimum of two researchers per university. One of them must be a junior researcher with up to five years experience of post-doctoral research and should have a track record in a research
field relevant to the study.

Do we have to specify that one university is the prime and the other a subsidary?

Yes. This is to make sure that there is a main point of contact who is also responsible for the overal study results.

How can we formally divide the money?

This is up to the participating universities to decide. Please note the travel allowance allocated to each study will not change in the case more than one university is involved in the proposal i.e. the total study budget will remain
the same.

Finance

What costs are included in the given budgets for each type of study?

In the given budgets all costs should be included except travel costs for which a special limited budget is allocated.

What costs are admissible in the proposal, above those for attending project review and negotiation meetings at ESA?

Besides the travel costs there are no other admissible costs beyond the predetermined price for the study type.

How will be the payments implemented?

The payments will be directly paid to the entity with which the contract is placed. In case of sub-contractor(s) the prime will be responsible to pay its sub-contractor(s).